View Full Version : Bat's AT hiking progress
I wanted to let everyone know my blog will be behind me because im hand writing the entries and mailing them to the west coast to be typed in.
im having tons of fun and im currently in Nerl's Gap. Twisted an ankle. It is bruised and swollen but doesn't hurt but im going to zero as a precaution.
NCPatrick
03-24-2011, 06:58
Thanks for the update Bat. We'll be watching for your other updates to ... ummm ... be updated. :) Take care of that ankle!
Cranky Bear
03-24-2011, 07:12
Good to hear from you, and take care of that ankle!!!
KerMegan
03-24-2011, 07:15
Rest
Ice (might be tricky on the trail..)
Compression (ace bandage? vary the wrapping at each rest stop..)
Elevation (no problem with that one..)
Good healing! KM
Takeit easy at Neel's Gap (should be no problem there), say hi to Pirate for me and enjoy a couple Jesus burgers. Enjoy your thru, Bat! Keep us posted!
Rest
Ice (might be tricky on the trail..)
Compression (ace bandage? vary the wrapping at each rest stop..)
Elevation (no problem with that one..)
Good healing!
+1! hope ya get back to the dirt quickly.
Walasi-yi is an awesome place! Hope you get back on the trail soon! Take Care!
Good to hear from you, don't worry about the ankle. You brought a spare.
Dutch I like the way you think! Im going to zero so I can ice and stay off the foot for the day. Im headed to get a burger in another hour or so.
I believe it was Doc that said. . . "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine."
1 out of 3 already taken care of already. Looks like you are having a successful trip so far. Just need a good storm to get you over that hump. I'll bank on that happening sometime in the near future. :cool:
Looking forward to keeping up with your posts. . . :)
Come on Bat! Hurry up and get to New Jersey already, will ya!?:lol::lol:
Mindwalk
03-25-2011, 21:14
Bat sent me a text about an hour ago, to let everyone know that his ankle is doing good and that he made it to Blue Mountain Shelter today.
He made it 18.7 miles today.
Go Bat!
~Mindwalk
adkmcmahon
03-25-2011, 21:18
Hang in there Bat, I'm a rooting for ya!!!:D
Go, Bat! You've got a lot of people pulling for you. Think of us all as potential trail angels tracking your progress. Looking forward to hearing more. :)
Let us know if you run into Fin. He's out there, too.
Rooting for you all the way. Still cold here in Maine so take your time getting here ! Enjoy.
GO BAT
While you are there, take advantage of their shakedown, pack gear inspection.
Even if you do not change a bunch of stuff, it is good to get anothers view, from those that have seen just about everything pass their way.
TZ
Go Bat! Glad to se your mending well!
good to hear your ok Bat.... i'll be keeping an eye out for you when you get up my way...maybe i can give ya alittle trail magic ;)
Made it to Hiawassee today. Has been cold and rainy in the hills. Going to zero so I get to Franklin for the April Fools Day party.
thanks for the support everyone. I've been in my hammock every night, except town stops.
You're kicking butt and taking names. Great job Bat, keep it up!
Fronkey
Thanks Fronkey. It has been harder than I expected, but that is a good thing.
Just caught up on the TJ site. Keep it up Bat. Just be nice to those ankles! Thanks for sharing with us poor desk bound souls. We are walking with you.
tanker0707
03-28-2011, 14:11
GO BAT! Pullin for ya all the way out here in CO! Man do I miss the Blue Ridge!
mountain_man_mike
03-28-2011, 15:40
Way to lead the way BAT! We are pulling for you in California.
So far the one gear thing I wish that I would have done differently is that I made a Jerry chair out of a 3' x 6' piece of Tyvek. I wish I would have put grommets in the four corners and brought extra shock cord to use it as a weathershirld for my underquilt. I use it as a pack liner during the day. I haven't "needed" the uq cover but it would have made me more comfortable on one or two stormy nights.
So far the one gear thing I wish that I would have done differently is that I made a Jerry chair out of a 3' x 6' piece of Tyvek. I wish I would have put grommets in the four corners and brought extra shock cord to use it as a weathershirld for my underquilt. I use it as a pack liner during the day. I haven't "needed" the uq cover but it would have made me more comfortable on one or two stormy nights.If this is your only "gear wish" at this point, I'd say you're having a great trip Bat. Thanks for the updates. Keep tearing up the AT!
re weather shield for UQ. I have sewed a piece of cuben, (the lightest, .35/yd?) to the underside of my Uq. Adds little to wght. and acts as a permanant under shield for spindrift, and is a wind block too. gnome
GO BAT
Desert Reprobate
03-29-2011, 18:11
He's doing great. A real inspiration. Doesn't use his sight as a crutch. He knows he has a problem and has learned to live with it. He's at Hiawassee Inn tonight headed for the bash in Franklin tomorrow. Was a real pleasure to be around.
Heading out from the NOC this morning. Camped with Sgt. Rock two nights ago and I keep running into Stormcrow, both are great people.
Thanks Desert. Good tip Gnome.
I'm keeping up with your trail journal Bat. Glad to hear things are going well. Godspeed!
Bat - it was good meeting you at the Bash
Mindwalk
04-06-2011, 22:16
Got a text from Bat a little bit ago. He just arrived at Fontana Dam.
I'm sure those familiar with the AT know where that is. As for the rest of us, I found a couple pics online and figured I'd post one.
http://americanhiking.chattablogs.com/archives/Fontana%20Dam.JPG
Go Bat!!!
vesteroid
04-08-2011, 21:02
Sorry to say I have never hiked that area, but have left much tire rubber on the roads near there. I ground one peg almost off on the last trip, and man the cops are wicked all over that section.
Would love to hike it one day.
Someone who lives near there, lets do a house swap for a week, you come hike the tahoe rim trail and I come hike that section :)
PackBacker81
04-14-2011, 12:59
Just found this thread... sure do wish i was on the trail with you Bat... you really are living a dream :thumbup1:
Mindwalk
04-15-2011, 22:02
Bat has officially reached the 250 mile mark today. He reached Max Patch Bald today. He says he is having the time of his life right now; in particular, stated that "this night is epic!". So I'm looking forward to reading his trailjournal to figure out what's going on this evening.
Here are some pictures of his recent adventures:
Bat at Max Patch:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=1101&pictureid=7839
This one is simply labeled: Don't follow blind people...
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=1101&pictureid=7843
The Trail (as of 4/15):
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=1101&pictureid=7841
Only 1900 Miles to go
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=1101&pictureid=7842
Go Bat!
Mindwalk
04-18-2011, 12:35
I was just texting with Bat a few minutes ago. He is currently at the Hot Springs in NC, but is going to be heading North this afternoon.
Have fun Bat!
sweet glad to here he is doing well....
i'll be keeping an eye out for him once he gets up my way
i'll have some trail magic waiting for him :D
tanker0707
04-18-2011, 13:23
I love the Hot Springs area. GO BAT!
RWillieK
04-18-2011, 13:30
Agreed - Hot Springs is a great area!! Go Bat!!!
Can't Wait
04-18-2011, 14:13
Looks like things are going well be safe and most of all Have Fun on your walk.
I'm up in Erwin TN now. I got an infection in my leg and had to get off the trail yesterday. I went to the hospital and got some drugs. The amount of healing that has happened in the past 12 hours is amazing. I'm going to slackpack 11 miles tomorrow to test how my leg does and see how sensitive me skin is to the sun.
I'm still having the time of my life. I love all the support people give me on here and on trailjournals. Thank you, sometimes I really need it to keep going.
The trail angels are amazing. Thanks to Gordon, Sparky and Morning Glory for getting me to and from the hospital yesterday.
The epic night Mindwalk mentioned is from when we went from NC to TN to go see a Bluegrass band in a Mexican food place. Can you get any more multicultural than that?
I forgot to mention how helpful having a hammock has been on this trip. I have always veen able to find a place to hang. It is also nice to get the feet up at night. I love me removeable ridgeline that I made for my hammock. It makes sitting in my hammock more comfortable and less confining.
Yesterday morning I had a tent camper sitting under my tarp eatting his breakfast while I was sitting in my hammock eatting my breakfast. He said it was the only dry ground and didn't mind being out of the rain.
I love the size of my cuben tarp. Joe at Apacks made it as wide as he could with two sheets of cuben and it has attached doors. I love the set-up, but if I was going to start earlier than I did I would go to a wider tarp for even more coverage and simplicity. Being tall it is cramped to get under the tarp when I have the edges nearly on the ground.
Other gear I love include my Gossamer Gear trekking poles with the straps. I wish the straps had a vetter adjustment system. On hot days when they are soaked in sweat I feel that the webbing slips through the buckle but it may just be the webbing sliding up my wet hands.
hanginhillbilly
04-23-2011, 11:12
Bat, I could have swore I passed you in Daleville Wednesday on the way to my hang and hike but now I see your still in TN. As you hike through Catawba don't forget the Home Place Restaurant.
Keep on Keeping on
You're making good progress BAT! In a way, we are all experiencing the AT through you! Thanks!
I have been off the trail for 9 days. Im still having difficulty with my leg and will be stopping my hike. It was a great experience and I will cherish every moment.
UncleMJM
05-05-2011, 17:10
Hey Bat - sorry to hear about the leg problems. Thanks for keeping us posted. I envy the time you had and hope you heal quickly so you can meet the next adventure full force.
MedicineMan
05-05-2011, 17:14
You're in my area now, if you need anything let me know.
mountain_man_mike
05-05-2011, 18:16
Bat- you are a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing your incredible experiences with us!
Law Dawg (ret)
05-05-2011, 18:45
I have been off the trail for 9 days. Im still having difficulty with my leg and will be stopping my hike. It was a great experience and I will cherish every moment.
Tough call I'll wager...next time bud! :thumbup:
sorry to hear about your leg Bro..... hope everything turns out ok and you get back on the trail soon buddy ;)
I can't imagine how hard that decision was... even though it obviously was the right one. You've done something most of us only dream about. I admire you greatly.
ShadowAlpha
05-05-2011, 22:12
Sounds like you had a great time! and have enjoyed following you. :)
Sorry about the leg - hope you heal up soon.
I can't imagine how hard that decision was... even though it obviously was the right one. You've done something most of us only dream about. I admire you greatly.
^This, and by the sounds of your determination, I have a feeling you'll complete the trek some day sooner than later.
I can't imagine how hard that decision was... even though it obviously was the right one. You've done something most of us only dream about. I admire you greatly.
+1
Hang in there Bat. I'm still green with envy. Hope you heal up soon.
Raul Perez
05-06-2011, 10:10
Sorry BAT hope your leg heals quickly and maybe you can get back on the trail and finish up this year. If not you had a great run and still have all of our support.
Water Monkey
bat sorry to hear of you leaving the trail i hope you recover well and wish you all the best you are a true inspiration!
Tumbleweed
05-20-2011, 20:50
WELL DONE, BAT.:) :) :) What you have done already is a dream on a bucket list for many people. Hum, I wonder if I...
I met Bat at trail days this year
It turned out he had Lymes disease, and was mis diagnosed for over a week.
When he finally got the right meds he started to feel better.
Point is, Lymes will get you down, but can be treated if diagnosed.
L.D. Cakes
05-24-2011, 08:17
Wow, Good thing it was finally diagnosed correctly! Left undiagnosed can be cause long term disabilities. Glad he'll be OK now.
Seems someone told me about a preventative method once?? Can't remember now.
SkyPainter
05-24-2011, 08:54
Rest easy, Bat! You have certainly been an inspiration here! Now, you are probably the section hiker with the largest section!
Get the leg better, and plan for the next section! :D
gunner76
05-24-2011, 19:27
Go Bat Go... Hope you can back out on the trail soon.
Catavarie
05-29-2011, 04:35
Seems someone told me about a preventative method once?? Can't remember now.
I think that's called staying out of the woods, but I doubt anyone here would even think about doing that. :lol:
L.D. Cakes
05-29-2011, 05:50
I think that's called staying out of the woods, but I doubt anyone here would even think about doing that. :lol:
Sorry I wasn't clear. As a preventative I meant a medication to take once you knew you had been bitten by a deer tick in case it had the Lyme disease causing bacteria. :scared:
And would probably need a prescription for that.
MedicineMan
05-29-2011, 06:19
and if you spend a lot of time in the woods during the blood sucking season you may be wise in getting a preventative round of abs'x in the fall each year. doxycycline has a limited number of side effects (photosensitivity being a big one) and its relatively cheap compared to the sesquela of Lyme Disease. The pisser of the deer tick is their size. I looked at the webbing between my fingers and saw 3 freckles there that were'nt freckles--point that you can get a deer tick and never see it until it has given you the bad mojo.
forgot to mention-maybe common knowledge but lot of evidence that only 200mg doxycycline within 72 hours of 'tick bite' can prevent Lymes...
Tickets are purchased I'm headed back to Springer to try again. I start hiking on 2/29.
Caribou Bentspoke
01-05-2012, 19:25
Bat, since you were just out there last season, I'd like to hear how your Exos 46 worked out, and what main items you had, and how they were packed. Also if you found the pack durable.
SGT Rock
01-05-2012, 19:33
Good deal. Maybe I'll see you at Ron's again this year.
And GOOD LUCK!
Just found this thread. IF anyone has a trail journal link on Bat, I would like to keep up with it.....thanks
I loved my Exos 46, my blackbird 1.0 double, my HG quilts and my CF tarp.
This year I have switched to a 3/4 UQ and a CF pack (Zpack EXO). My pocket rocket worked flawlessly but I switched to a fancy feast stove this year and reduced my pot size to 600 ml.
My big changes are that I have reduced what I'm bringing and going lighter on the items I'm still keeping.
I did a trail journal last year but I don't think I'm going to this year. Last year I felt, at times, like I was hiking for everyone else. This year I want to hike for myself. I'm on Trailjournals as Bat.
hanginhillbilly
01-15-2012, 01:18
You should hike for you! I love reading the journals but at the end of the day you have to hike your hike. With that being said if you need a pickup or assistance in Catawba or Troutville VA shoot me a PM. If you want to preplan something shoot me a PM and I'll send you my cellphone number.
Thanks hanginghokie. I will also post updates on HF from time to time.